Community Forums

KOHhome · 05-17-2019, 10:04 PM

Hello, new to the forum nd this is my first post. I have a 97 American Eagle and need to replace the front outer hub seals, the seal that is behind the clear bowl in the center of each front wheel. Any help on where to find a part number for these would be great. Thank you.

Clomok · 05-17-2019, 10:56 PM

Any truck stop should have them in stock, all they need is a rough overall diameter and how many bolt holes.

MSHappyCampers · 05-18-2019, 11:01 AM

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Have fun and keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

Gary RVRoamer · 05-19-2019, 09:57 AM

I'm guessing a 97 has a Spartan chassis? If so, a call to Spartan might get an answer. However, it will be a fairly standard truck part and a good truck part or repair shop ought to be able to source it.

astrnmrtom · 05-20-2019, 12:48 AM

When I replaced mine, I had to get the number off the seal itself. Are you talking about the gasket behind the window? If you are leaking on the outside of the wheel it's probably the gasket or center plug. A failed seal will leak on the backside of the tire/wheel.

I only have experience with the hub on my rig but the only seal was the one at the back of the hub on the base of the axle. Ordered the seal at the local truck repair center. It was a Stemco. Replacing the seal requires the use of a dial indicator to set wheel bearing preload when reinstalling the hub. I was able to do it myself but boy, those calipers and hubs are HEEEEAAAAVVVY!

SlowJoe · 05-20-2019, 05:59 PM

The outer hub which has the window comes with a paper gasket if you are replacing it. However, in the truck repair world it is common practice to clean the surfaces and use RTV to seal it when reinstalling it after service is required. Not really what you asked for, but I thought you may find the information helpful.

jelag · 05-21-2019, 05:52 PM

It's common for those clear plastic covers to weather from UV light.... and you might be needing the STEMCO cover from cracks and not necessarily the gasket...

We open and inspect the bearings on our trucks every 2 years.... clean and inspect the bearings.. and often we can pull the cover and re-install it using the same gasket..

Like mentioned above, any good truck supply parts store will stock them... some NAPA stores have a HD section and will stock them..... but be prepared to replace the covers.... look closely for glazing and cracks...

Ray,IN · 05-23-2019, 09:37 PM

There are 2 different STEMCO hub caps, one has 5 screws the other has 6 screws holding it in place. Take a picture of yours with your cell phone, visit any HDT parts store, show them the picture and they will know exactly what you need.
There is a 1/8" pipe plug on the hub to drain the hub oil(yes that's what it says on the bottle), it will take about an hour to drain all the high viscosity oil. Remove the hub cap afterwards, clean the surfaces and install the new gasket and hub cap. Fill with hub oil to the add mark and allow to settle for an hour, add more oil until it settles at the full mark on the hub cap.
The reason I say to replace the hub cap too is, when removing mine they were so brittle from age they cracked. I think replacing both of mine cost a total of $35 ea.

KOHhome · 06-05-2019, 06:39 AM

Thank you for all help guys. I was able to take a picture of the hub to a semi Parts place and they got me hooked up. Both sides with new gaskets $20 lol.